Iftar added to UNESCO cultural heritage list

UN cultural agency UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) added the Ramadan meal “iftar” to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage on Wednesday.

Earlier, Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan jointly submitted the application to UNESCO for the sociocultural tradition.

Iftar is observed by Muslims at sunset during the month of Ramadan, UNESCO posted on its site.

Iftar is observed by people of different ages, genders, and origins and commemorates the conclusion of the daily challenges of fasting from sunrise to sunset. 

It frequently takes the shape of meetings or dinners for communities, building family and community bonds and fostering charity, solidarity, and social exchange. People who do not fast throughout the month of Ramadan also participate in the festivities and rituals associated with iftar, said the UNESCO post.

Oral teaching, observation, and participation are common methods of passing on information and skills within families, and children and teens are frequently entrusted with making components of traditional meals.

During this time, parents also teach their children about the advantages of fasting as well as the societal ideals and purposes of iftar. Iftar is frequently supported by government institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and charities, as well as through television, radio, print, and social media, the UNESCO post also said.